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94 4.1 Milk Feeding

numbers 1–4 implying the different stages. These them if there is a clinical need while the infant is
numbered stages are not uniform across all brands still under 6 months of age. In 2004 the Chief
which may confuse parents. Some examples are Medical Officer advised that: ‘Soya-based formulae
listed in Table 4.1.3. should only be used in exceptional circumstances
to ensure adequate nutrition. For example, they
Soya-based infant formulas may be given to infants of vegan parents who are
not breastfeeding or infants who find alternatives
Soya-based infant formulas were previously prescribed for allergy treatment unacceptable.’
recommended as an alternative to cow’s milk-based
infant formulas, but they are no longer Follow-on formulas
recommended for infants in the UK under 6 Follow-on formulas are only suitable for infants
months as they have a high content of phyto- over 6 months as they are higher in protein and
estrogens and may have an oestrogenic effect. The some nutrients than infant formula. Either infant
consequences of this are uncertain. formula or follow-on formula can be given as the
main milk drink between 6 and 12 months.
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring
chemicals similar to human oestrogen and are Specialized infant formulas
found in some foods of plant origin (e.g. soya There are a range of specialized infant formulas
beans). One study found that the production of available for infants with certain medical
testosterone was suppressed in neonatal marmoset conditions (see Table 4.3.1 pages 119–120). They
monkeys that were partially fed soya formula. No should only be used on the advice of a doctor or
study has definitely proven that soya formula can dietitian.
cause long-term damage to human infants, and a
paediatrician, GP or dietitian may recommend

Table 4.1.3 Infant and follow-on formulas based on cow’s milk protein

Formulas Examples Number on the Manufacturer
Whey-dominant infant formula – Aptamil First milk packaging Milupa
whey-to-casein ratio is 60 : 40 Cow & Gate First Infant Milk Cow & Gate
Hipp Organic First Infant Milk 1 Hipp
Casein-dominant infant formula – SMA First Infant Milk 1 SMA Nutrition
whey-to-casein ratio is 20 : 80 Aptamil Hungry milk 1 Milupa
Cow & Gate Infant Milk for Hungrier 1 Cow & Gate
Modified infant formulas for minor Babies 2
digestive problems Hipp Organic Hungry Infant Milk 2
Protein is partially hydrolysed, fat is SMA Extra Hungry Infant Milk
modified, some of the lactose is Aptamil Comfort 2 Hipp
replaced with starch Cow & Gate Comfort – SMA Nutrition
Have added thickeners – Milupa
Follow-on milks Aptamil Follow On milk – Cow & Gate
Suitable from 6 months Cow & Gate Follow-on Milk
Hipp Organic Follow On Milk 3 Milupa
SMA Follow-on Milk 3 Cow & Gate
Hipp Organic Good Night Milk 3 Hipp
2 SMA Nutrition
3 Hipp